Photochemical formation of Au/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles with different shapes and sizes in a poly(vinyl alcohol) film

Metal nanoparticle (NP)-polymer nanocomposite thin films are attractive for applications in various devices. Since bimetallic NPs provide additional opportunities for tuning the physical properties of the NP components, the development of bimetallic NP nanocomposite thin films should lead to further enhancements of various applications. Au/Cu bimetallic NPs are fabricated in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film using a photochemical process. Interestingly, different sizes and shapes of Au/Cu bimetallic NPs are formed in the PVA film, resulting in a uniquely patterned nanocomposite structure. It is determined that the different formation and growth mechanisms of NPs inside and outside the UV-light irradiation spot leads to the differences in size and shape.